Field of the Invention
[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of head and neck support devices for
use by occupants of cars, boats, aircraft, and the like. In particular, the present
invention relates to an improved tethering system for a head and neck support device
which acts to transfer force away from the neck of the occupant through the device
to the shoulder harness of the vehicle.
Background of the Invention
[0002] The driver and other occupants of high performance cars, planes, boats and other
vehicles (collectively, "vehicles") typically wear equipment designed to reduce physical
harm during use of the vehicle but especially to reduce physical harm during sudden
deceleration, torque or impact of the vehicle. Standard pieces of such equipment include
a helmet to reduce head injury and a shoulder harness attached to the vehicle for
restraining torso movement relative to the seat and vehicle.
[0003] It was long ago realized that the neck undergoes various motions and loads during
deceleration. In response, various devices have been developed in an attempt to reduce
the amount of motions and loads experienced by the neck during deceleration. Additionally,
devices have been developed to transmit loads from the helmeted head to the torso
in an attempt to reduce neck muscle fatigue and extreme head motions. While these
devices may reduce neck muscle fatigue and extreme head motions, they may also lead
to other problems.
[0004] Generally, present head and neck devices that have proven to be variously effective
in reducing the forces on an occupant's neck by restricting the extent of motion of
the head with respect to the torso rely on a restrictive force being carried partially
or fully to the torso. For example,
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,638,510 and
6,009,566 to Hubbard describe a head and neck support device with two tethers that are attached
between the respective sides of the device user's helmet and a collar of the head
and neck support device. The head and neck support device has a yoke integral with
the collar that is configured to fit around the back of the user's shoulders, adjacent
the neck, and on the front of the user's chest. The yoke defines a forward facing
opening so that the user can put on the head and neck support device by placing their
head and neck through the opening. In a further aspect, the upper surface of the yoke
has a frictional material placed on it so that the vehicle seat belts can hold the
yoke in place. This inhibits forward motion of the device and assists in overcoming
the forward forces of the tethers pulling at the top of the device by the head/helmet
and by the chest and shoulders dragging on the underside of the yoke.
[0005] The configuration of the two tethers of the device disclosed in the '510 and '566
patents allows the user a limited range of side-to-side rotary head motion. However,
the user may desire an even greater range of rotary head motion in some instances.
Thus, what is needed is a head and neck support device that effectively reduces the
potential and actual forces acting on the user's neck, while allowing the user a greater
range of rotary head motion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to various embodiments, the present invention is a head and neck support
device for use in high performance vehicles. In one aspect, the device comprises a
yoke configured to be worn by an occupant of a vehicle that has a front portion and
a rear portion, a tether having a first end and a second end, and at least one sleeve
member. The yoke may include an element resembling a collar mounted to, or integral
with, the yoke. In one aspect, each sleeve member defines a cavity through which the
tether can be slideably received. The at least one sleeve member can further define
a first distance extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the at least
one sleeve member. In this aspect, the tether can define a second distance between
the first and second ends of the tether that is greater than the first distance.
[0007] In one aspect, the front portion of the yoke is configured to extend down from the
shoulders of the occupant along a portion of the torso of the occupant. The rear portion
of the yoke is configured to extend around and behind a portion of the neck and shoulders
of the occupant. In another aspect, a portion of the front portion and/or the rear
portion of the yoke can be provided with load bearing surfaces. In this aspect, the
shoulder belts of the shoulder harness of the vehicle are configured to extend over
a portion of the front and rear portions of the yoke on at least a portion of the
load bearing surfaces when the device is mounted on a user. In this aspect, at least
a portion of the device can be positioned between the shoulder belts and the occupant.
[0008] In a further aspect, the at least one sleeve member can be fixedly attached to the
yoke. In another aspect, the at least one sleeve member comprises a plurality of sleeve
members that are fixedly attached to the yoke. Optionally, the at least one sleeve
member can be integrally formed therein a portion of the yoke. In one embodiment,
in which the at least one sleeve member comprises a single sleeve member, the cavity
defined therein the sleeve member extends the first distance between the distal and
proximal ends of the single sleeve member. In an alternative exemplary embodiment,
in which the at least one sleeve member comprises a first sleeve member and an opposed
second sleeve member, the respective first and second sleeve members are spaced apart
from each other such that the first distance extends from a distal end of the first
sleeve member to the proximal end of the second sleeve member. As illustrated in the
figures, the first distance is defined generally in a cavity plane that bisects the
cavity in the at least one sleeve member. In is contemplated that the tether would
slide generally in the cavity plane within the first distance of the at least one
sleeve member.
[0009] In use, the tether can be inserted into the at least one sleeve member. The first
end of the tether can then be attached to a first side of the user's helmet and the
second end of the tether can then be attached to the second, opposite side of the
helmet. The sliding tether arrangement of the present invention allows the user a
greater range of rotary head motion around an axis that extends generally co-axial
through the vertebra of the neck of the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
FIG. 1 is rear perspective view of one embodiment of the head and neck support device
having plurality of sleeve members attached to a rear portion of the yoke.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the head and neck support device of FIG. 1.
FIG.3 is a side view of the head and neck support device of FIG. 1 mounted on an occupant.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of on embodiment of a sleeve member of the head and neck
support device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is an end view of an exemplary embodiment of a sleeve member of the head and
neck support device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is an end view of an exemplary embodiment of a sleeve member of the head and
neck support device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the head and neck support device
having a single sleeve member.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the head and neck support device
having a flexible sleeve member.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the head and neck support device.
FIG. 10A is a top schematic view of the head and neck support device of FIG. 1 on
an occupant looking forward.
FIG. 10B is a top schematic view of the head and neck support device of FIG. 1 on
an occupant looking to the left.
FIG. 11 is partial front perspective view of one embodiment of the head and neck support
device having a plurality of yoke and/or load bearing portions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following
detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following
description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed
and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific
devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can,
of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for
the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.
[0012] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an"
and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, reference to a "sleeve member" can include two or more such sleeve
members unless the context indicates otherwise.
[0013] Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about"
another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes
from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when
values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will
be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood
that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other
endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
[0014] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean that the subsequently described
event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances
where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment(s) of the
invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever
possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to
the same or like parts.
[0016] A head and neck support device is provided, according to various aspects of the present
invention. In one aspect, as shown in Figure 1, a head and neck support device 10
comprises a yoke 12 and a tether 15. In one exemplary embodiment, the head and neck
support device can comprise a yoke having a front portion 32 and a rear portion 34,
a tether having a first end 16 and a second end 17, and at least one sleeve member
22. In this aspect, each sleeve member has a distal end 36 and a proximal end 37 and
defines a cavity 24 that extends therebetween the distal and proximal ends. The at
least one sleeve member can further define a first distance extending between a proximal
end and a distal end of the at least one sleeve member. In a further aspect, the first
distance can extend from the distal end of an outermost portion of at least one sleeve
member to the proximal end of an opposed outermost portion of at least one sleeve
member.
[0017] Referring to Figure 2, in one exemplary aspect, the yoke 12 can be generally U-shaped
and has a pair of spaced opposing legs 12A and 12B that extend outwardly and downwardly
from an intermediate connecting portion 12C. In one aspect, at least a portion of
a bottom surface 101 of the yoke is configured to conform to the shoulders 102 and
a front portion of the torso 104 of the occupant 100, as illustrated in Figure 3.
In another aspect, an inner surface 13 of the connecting portion of the yoke can define
a notch 12D between the pair of spaced opposing legs 12A, 12B that is configured to
accommodate a portion of the occupant's neck 106. It is further contemplated that
a portion of the connecting portion of the yoke can be configured to have a thickness
such that a bottom portion 19 of the connecting portion 12C extends down below a plane
bisecting the top of the shoulders along the back of the occupant while a top portion
21 of the connecting portion is spaced above the plane bisecting the top of the occupant's
shoulders.
[0018] In another exemplary aspect, at least a portion of an upper surface 9 of the yoke
12 can be provided with load bearing surfaces 14. In one aspect, and as shown in Figure
2, the load bearing surfaces can be channels that are defined in the upper surface
of the yoke. In one aspect, the load bearing surfaces can follow the shape of the
upper surface of the yoke along the pair of legs and at the top portion of the connecting
portion 12C. In one aspect, the thickness of the connecting portion of the yoke 12
can enable the load bearing surfaces adjacent the connecting portion of the yoke to
be positioned behind and essentially at a vertical level with the shoulders 102 of
the occupant, as can be seen in Figure 3. In a further aspect, an inner edge 7 of
the load bearing surfaces 14 can be preferably provided with a raised lip 16 that
is configured to prevent the shoulder belts 110A of the shoulder harness 110 from
slipping off the load bearing surfaces and inwardly toward the neck 106 of the occupant.
In a further aspect, the width of the load bearing surfaces is preferably greater
than the width of the shoulder belts of the shoulder harness. In another aspect, it
is contemplated that at least a portion of the load bearing surfaces can be provided
with a friction material, coating, and the like 18 that is configured to resist the
shoulder belts from slipping on the load bearing surfaces 14 and provides for better
transference of force from the load bearing surfaces to the shoulder harness 110.
In one exemplary aspect, at least portions of the load bearing surfaces can be substantially
flat in cross-section. Additionally, and as shown in Figure 11, it is contemplated
that portions of the yoke 12 and/or the load bearing surfaces can be integrally formed,
or alternatively, that portions of the yoke and/or the load bearing surfaces 14 can
be a plurality of discontinuous sections that are interconnected by, for example and
without limitation, a plurality of rigid connecting members 50.
[0019] In one embodiment, illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the yoke can further comprise
a collar 11. In one aspect, the collar 11 can extend upwardly from the connecting
portion 12C of the yoke 12 between the pair of spaced opposing legs 12A and 12B such
that the collar extends above the plane bisecting the top of the occupant's shoulders
and behind the head 112 of the occupant 100. In varying aspects, however, it is contemplated
that the collar 11 can extend to a position at, above, or below the horizontal level
center of gravity of the head and helmet 108 combined of the occupant. In this embodiment,
the collar can be configured to allow for rotational movement of the helmet of the
occupant. For example, it is contemplated that the collar can be curved to follow
the shape of the helmet 108 of the occupant.
[0020] In one aspect, the at least one sleeve member can be fixedly attached to a portion
of the yoke. It is contemplated, and as shown in the figures, that the at least one
sleeve member can be attached to the collar, if present. For clarity and conciseness,
when used herein, the term "yoke" includes reference to a yoke with or without a collar.
In one aspect, the at least one sleeve member can be formed from a rigid material,
such as, for example and not meant to be limiting, a carbon fiber composite or a high
impact resistant plastic material. Optionally, as shown in Figure 8, the at least
one sleeve member can be formed of a non-rigid material.
[0021] As illustrated in Figure 4, the sleeve member defines a cavity 24 that forms a channel
that extends the entire width of the sleeve member,
i.e., between a proximal end 37 and distal end 36 of the sleeve member. In one aspect,
the sleeve member cavity is configured such that when the sleeve member 22 is mounted
to a yoke, a portion of the tether is positioned in the cavity of the sleeve member
in a plane that substantially bisects the sleeve member.
[0022] In one exemplary aspect, the sleeve member 22 can be a single-sided sleeve member,
as shown in Figure 5. In this aspect, the single-sided sleeve member can be generally
U-shaped with the channel being defined therebetween the legs of the sleeve member.
In another aspect, the legs of the sleeve member can be mounted thereto a portion
of the exterior surface of the yoke 12. Thus, the portion of the exterior surface
of the yoke and the channel therein the sleeve member defines the cavity 24 of the
sleeve member 22. Referring now to Figure 6, an alternative exemplary aspect of the
sleeve member is illustrated. In this aspect, the sleeve member is formed from the
cooperative engagement of a pair of the single-side sleeve members. In this aspect,
a first single-sided generally U-shaped sleeve member is connected to a portion of
the exterior surface of the yoke 12 such that the legs of the first single-sided sleeve
member extend outwardly away from the exterior surface of the yoke. A second single-sided
sleeve member is mounted to the first single-sided sleeve member such that the legs
of the respective first and second single-sided sleeve members are in contact. One
will appreciate that the opposed channels of the first and second single-sided sleeve
members defined the cavity 24 of the formed sleeve member 22.
[0023] Optionally, it is contemplated that the at least one sleeve member can be formed
from a single piece of material. In one aspect, having the cavity defined by the sleeve
member 22, and not by a portion of the exterior surface of the yoke, offsets or spaces
at least a portion of the tether 15 from the exterior surface of the yoke 12, which
can reduce friction between the tether and the yoke and can improve tether sliding
performance.
[0024] In another embodiment and as mentioned above, a flexible sleeve member 26 can be
formed from a flexible material, such as a strap, as illustrated in Figure 8. In this
aspect, an end loop 28 of the sleeve member defines the cavity of the at least one
sleeve member and is configured to position at least a portion of the tether 15 in
a plane that bisects the end loop.
[0025] It is contemplated that the at least one sleeve member 22 can be attached to the
yoke 12 with conventional fastening means, such as, for example and without limitation,
chemical adhesives, mechanical fasteners such as bolts, rivets, clamps, pressed stubs
with nuts, and the like. In this aspect, complementary fastener holes can be defined
in portions of the at least one sleeve member and the yoke.
[0026] The head and neck support device comprises a tether 15, as illustrated in Figure
1. In one aspect, the tether has a first end 16, a second end 17, and a fixed length
that extends a second distance between the respective first and second ends. In another
aspect, the fixed length of the tether can be operatively selected. In this aspect,
the second distance between the first and second ends of the tether 15 is greater
than the first distance. In various exemplary aspects, the tether can be a rope, strap,
wire, chain, cable, and the like, but is preferably constructed of a relatively inextensible,
fibrous strap material. The length of the tether is selectably predetermined to allow
some mobility of the head 112 while reducing fatigue and potentially injurious head
motions, when assembled as described below. The length of the tether 15 preferably
allows the occupant 100 to have the ability to rotate or otherwise move their head
to increase their available sight area. The occupant is preferably able to move their
head such as to have forward and lateral fields of view. In one exemplary aspect,
the tether preferably allows the occupant to have a turning motion of the head around
an axis that extends through the neck of the occupant 100 of about fifty degrees on
either side of center. It is contemplated that the tether 15 can comprise a plurality
of tethers. It is also contemplated that the tether 15 can be used in conjunction
with other tethers for different purposes.
[0027] In operation, as will be described more fully below, a portion of the length of the
tether 15 would slide generally in the cavity plane within the first distance of the
at least one sleeve member 22. In one aspect, in order to prevent the tether from
sliding too far in either direction, it is contemplated that the tether 15 can comprise
a blocking device such as, for example and without limitation, a clip or the like,
that can be positioned at a desired location along the tether so that only a desired
portion of the tether can be slideably received therein the cavity 24 of the at least
one sleeve member 22. In another aspect, in order to prevent the tether from sliding
too far in either direction, it is contemplated that the tether 15 can change dimensions
at a desired location along the tether so that portions of the tether are restricted
from being slidably received therein the cavity.
[0028] Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment having a plurality of sleeve members 22 on the
yoke 12 of the head and neck support device 10. In this embodiment, the plurality
of sleeve members comprises a first sleeve member 22' and an opposed, spaced second
sleeve member 22" that are positioned on a portion of the rear surface 34 of the yoke
such that the first distance extends from the distal end 36' of the first sleeve member
22' to the proximal end 37" of the second sleeve member 22". In a further aspect,
the first distance can be defined generally in a cavity plane that bisects the cavity
24 in the at least one sleeve member. In the exemplary aspect having first and second
sleeve members, the cavity plane substantially bisects the cavities of the respective
first and second sleeve members.
[0029] As illustrated in Figure 1, the at least one sleeve member 22 can be located on the
rear portion 34 of the yoke 12,
i.e., on the far side of the yoke from the head and helmet of the occupant 100. In this
embodiment, the tether 15 wraps around the rear portion of the yoke and can make contact
with portions of the yoke 12 if the outer edges of the at least one sleeve member
22 are not located at the respective outer edges of the yoke. It is also contemplated,
however, that the at least one sleeve member can be located on the front portion 32
of the yoke,
i.e., on the side of the yoke 12 nearest to the head and helmet of the occupant. In this
embodiment, the tether position is restricted only by the sleeve member cavity and
the portions of the tether 15 that extend from the respective proximal and distal
ends of the at least one sleeve member 22 are not restricted.
[0030] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a single sleeve member 22 can be attached
to the yoke 12. In this embodiment, the cavity 24 defined therein the sleeve member
defines a first distance that extends from the respective distal and proximal ends
of the sleeve member. One would appreciate that a portion of the tether 15, when positioned
within the cavity 24 of the sleeve member 22, is free to slide in the cavity plane
within the first distance of the single sleeve member. In this embodiment, the single
sleeve member 22 can be located on the rear portion 34 of the yoke 12,
i.e., on the far side of the yoke from the head and helmet of the occupant. It is also
contemplated, however, that the single sleeve member can be positioned on the front
portion 32 of the yoke,
i.e., on the side of the yoke nearest to the head and helmet of the occupant.
[0031] Similarly, in a further embodiment, illustrated in Figure 8, a single flexible sleeve
member 26 can be attached to the yoke 12. The tether 15, when positioned within the
end loop 28 of the flexible sleeve member, is free to slide through the end loop of
the flexible sleeve member. In another aspect, a plurality of flexible sleeve members
may be placed on the yoke of the head and neck support device 10. In an exemplary
example, in which the plurality of flexible sleeve members comprises a first flexible
sleeve member and an opposed second flexible sleeve member, the respective first and
second flexible sleeve members are spaced apart from each other such that the first
distance extends from a distal end of the first flexible sleeve member to the proximal
end of the second flexible. Thus, the exemplary first and second flexible sleeve members
26 can be positioned on the yoke 12 in order to define a first distance between the
respective first and second flexible sleeve members. The tether, when positioned within
the end loops of the respective first and second flexible sleeve members, is free
to slide in the cavity plane that bisects the respective first and second flexible
sleeve member cavities.
[0032] In another embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 9, a channel 44 for positioning the
tether 15 can be defined within a portion of the yoke 12. At least one sleeve member
can be mounted over the channel such that the sleeve member cavity is defined therebetween
the sleeve member and the channel 44 of the yoke. In the illustrated example, the
channel is formed in a top portion of the collar 11 and the single sleeve member is
mounted to the top portion of the collar to define a single sleeve member cavity.
In one aspect, the channel is positioned substantially parallel to the top edge of
the collar.
[0033] With reference to Figure 1, a head and neck support device can be assembled to comprise
any or all of the components as described above. In one aspect, the at least one sleeve
member 22 can be attached to the yoke 12, or integrally formed therein the yoke. As
desired, sleeve members can be added to the yoke or removed from the yoke, and/or
the length of sleeve members altered, to vary the first distance of the device. The
first distance may be varied in order to change the angle between a cavity plane that
bisects the outermost sleeve member(s) and the helmet tether connection points, which
are described more fully below.
[0034] The tether 15 can be inserted through the sleeve members. The first end of the tether
can be attached to a side of the helmet 108 of the occupant 100, and the second end
of the tether can be attached to the opposite side of the helmet, as illustrated in
Figure 10A. In one embodiment, as known in the art, a helmet anchor can be mounted
to the helmet. The ends of the tether can be attached to the anchor by, for example
and without limitation, a shackle, a post and post catch system or the like. In another
embodiment, the ends of the tether can be formed with loops, so that the ends of the
tether can be attached to the helmet by threading helmet chin straps on either side
of the helmet through the loops on the tether ends. In still another embodiment, in
one aspect, the helmet can have slots defined therein either side configured for receiving
the ends 16, 17 of the tether. In another aspect, the ends of the tether 15 can be
configured to be insertable into, yet difficult to extract from, the slots of the
helmet 108 so that the tether resists extraction from the helmet 108. In yet another
embodiment, in one aspect, the helmet can have slots defined therein either side.
In another aspect, the ends 16, 17 of the tether 15 can be inserted through the slots
of the helmet and then securedly attached to each other to form a continuous tether
that resists extraction from the helmet.
[0035] As illustrated in Figure 3, the head and neck support device 10 of the present invention
is mounted on the occupant 100 of a vehicle such that the pair of spaced opposing
legs 12A and 12B of the yoke 12 extend down along the front of the torso 104 of the
occupant 100 and the connecting portion 12C of the yoke extends behind the neck 106
and shoulders 102 of the occupant. The device is mounted such that the neck of the
occupant is positioned adjacent the notch 12D of the connecting portion of the yoke.
In a preferred embodiment, the legs of the yoke 12 adjacent the front of the torso
of the occupant are positioned such that an angle relative to the horizontal axis
of the vehicle is between about 30° to 50° when the device 10 is securely held in
place on the occupant 100 and the occupant is sitting in the vehicle.
[0036] The device is securely held in place by the shoulder belts 110A of the shoulder harness
110 when the occupant is securely belted into the vehicle. The device is only secured
to the occupant 100 of the vehicle by the shoulder belts. This allows the occupant
to exit the vehicle without having to remove the device 10. As illustrated in Figure
3, the shoulder belts of the shoulder harness extend along the load bearing surfaces
14 of the yoke such that the yoke is between the shoulder belts and the occupant and
the load bearing surfaces are above and behind the shoulders 102 of the occupant and
between the shoulders of the occupant and the seat back (not shown). The load bearing
surfaces of the yoke 12 at the connecting portion 12C are positioned such that the
shoulder belts 110A of the shoulder harness adjacent the connecting portion are substantially
parallel with the horizontal level of the top of the shoulders of the occupant 100.
The shoulder belts of the shoulder harness 110 hold the yoke securely in contact with
the front of the torso 104 and the shoulders of the occupant during both normal vehicle
operation and during a crash. The yoke is connected by the tether 15 to the helmet
108 on the head 112 of the occupant. The connection of the tether to the helmet tends
to pull the entire device 10 forward and the connecting portion 12C of the device
upward. During a crash, the tether carries tension forces from the helmet to the head
and neck support device.
[0037] With the device fully assembled and mounted on the user as described above, the sliding
tether arrangement allows the occupant side-to-side rotary head mobility around an
axis that extends generally co-axial through the vertebra of the neck of the user.
As illustrated in Figure 10B, when the occupant 100 turns their head 112 to the left,
as viewed from above, the distance from the end of the tether on the left side of
the occupant's head to the leftmost sleeve member 22 decreases, so that less tether
length is required on the left side of the occupant's head. Simultaneously, the end
of the tether 15 on the right side of their head exerts a force on the tether because
that end of the tether is being moved to a distance farther away from the rightmost
sleeve member. This force causes the tether 15 to slide through the at least one sleeve
member 22 towards the right, so that there is a greater length of tether between the
right side of the occupant's head and the rightmost sleeve member than between the
left side of the occupant's head and the leftmost sleeve member. The sliding tether
allows the occupant 100 to continue turning their head 112 to the left until a blocking
device attached to the tether or a change in the tether dimensions restricts the tether
15 from sliding further into the sleeve member cavity. If there is no tether blocking
device or tether dimensional change, the occupant may continue turning their head
further to the left until the distance between the tether connection point on the
left side of the helmet 108 and the outer edge of the leftmost sleeve member is a
minimum.
[0038] Similarly, when the occupant turns their head 112 to the right, as viewed from above,
the tether slides through the at least one sleeve member towards the left. The sliding
tether 15 allows the occupant to continue turning their head to the right until a
blocking device attached to the tether or a change in the tether dimensions restricts
the tether from sliding further into the sleeve member cavity. If there is no tether
blocking devices or tether dimensional changes, the occupant 100 may continue turning
their head further to the right until the distance between the tether connection point
on the helmet on the right side of the helmet and the outer edge of the rightmost
sleeve member is a minimum.
[0039] In rearward vehicle acceleration or frontal crash (such as in applying the brakes
or striking something with the front of the vehicle) with forward head motion relative
to the torso, the yoke 12 will tend to move forward relative to the vehicle and rotate
with the top of the yoke moving forward relative to the bottom due to the head/ helmet
restraining forces. The tendency for the yoke to move forward will be restrained by
the shoulder belts 110A in much the same way as normally occurs without the device
10 present. The tendency for the top of the device to rotate forward such that the
rear of the device moves up will be restrained by the shoulder belts acting downward
and rearward on the load bearing surfaces 14 of the yoke adjacent the top of and to
the rear of the shoulders 102. This constraint of rotation will also reduce the tendency
of the front, lower part of the yoke to load the rib cage. The body of the occupant
100 also tends to move forward relative to the vehicle.
[0040] The torso 104 of the occupant is restrained by rearward force from the shoulder harness
110 and the yoke 12. The shoulder harness includes shoulder belts 110A over the occupant's
shoulders, around their lap and between their legs. The head and neck support device
is held in place on the torso of the occupant by the shoulder harness. The head 112
tends to continue moving forward but is restrained to move with the torso as a result
of the forces applied through the tether 15. Thus, as the vehicle is accelerated rearward,
the head, torso and yoke move forward relative to the vehicle, the torso and yoke
are restrained by the shoulder harnesses, and the head and helmet 108 are restrained
to move with the torso 104 by the device. The forces to restrain the head and helmet
will be predominately carried through the device 10 to the shoulder belts.
[0041] The tether force restraining the head reduces the loading of the neck 106. Thus,
the tether force reduces the fatiguing demands on the neck and the potential for injury
from the loads that would be present without the device. The tether also reduces extreme
head and neck motion relative to the torso of occupant 100. The loads from the tether
15 are transmitted through the yoke 12 to the torso and shoulder belts of the shoulder
harness 110. The friction material 18 attached to the load bearing surfaces 14 increases
the frictional forces acting rearward on the load bearing surfaces from the shoulder
belts 110A. In this way, the load bearing surfaces effectively restrain the head and
neck support device to carry the tether force which restrains the head 112 of the
occupant to move with the torso.
[0042] In a frontal crash, the acceleration forces and the restraint forces on the occupant
100 are primarily horizontal. The tether restrains the motions of the occupant's head
such that the occupant's head moves with the occupant's torso 104 which reduces the
undesirable forces in the occupant's neck that may cause injuries to the head 112
and neck 106. The tether 15 also reduces head motions and accelerations that are due
to head rotations in side view. The shoulder belts apply downward and rearward loads
on the load bearing surfaces, adjacent to and behind the shoulders 102 of the occupant
to counteract the tether forces acting between the yoke 12 and the helmet 108 of the
occupant. The loads from the shoulder belts 110A on the load bearing surfaces act
through the device 10 and the tether to resist the forward motions of the head of
the occupant 100 relative to the torso of the occupant. Because the head and neck
support device is between the occupant's torso 104 and the shoulder harness 110, the
forces that restrain the helmeted head are transmitted through the head and neck support
device to the occupant's torso and the shoulder harness.
[0043] In a rear crash with forward acceleration, the occupant tends to move rearward and
upward because of the angle of the seat back. The structure that supports the head
112 moves rearward with the front of the torso 104. The friction with the shoulder
belts of the shoulder harness slows the occupant as the torso of the occupant moves
upward relative to the shoulder harness. The device 10 is between the occupant's shoulders
and the shoulder belts to increase the forces from the shoulder belts 110A and to
create more downward force as the occupant slides up the seat back. Thus, the head
and neck support device improves the restraint of the occupant's upper torso in a
rear crash.
[0044] In sideways acceleration (such as in striking an object with the side of the vehicle),
assume, for the sake of illustration, that the vehicle is accelerated to the left
as would occur in turning toward the left or striking an object with right side of
the vehicle and that forces and motions are expressed relative to the vehicle. The
torso is restrained by the seat and harness 110. The helmet 108 and head are restrained
to accelerate to the left with the torso by tension in the tether 15 on the left side.
The tether is configured so that with sideward motion the helmeted head 112 also moves
rearward into the yoke 12. In sideways acceleration, the loads on the yoke from the
helmeted head tend to rotate the top of the yoke away from the direction of the acceleration
(top toward the right in the current example). The yoke tends to move downward onto
the right shoulder 102 and upward off of the left shoulder. This tendency to rotate
is resisted by the forces between the yoke 12 and the right shoulder and between the
yoke and the shoulder harness 110 on the left side. The head, helmet, and device 10
also tend to move to the right. This motion is resisted by the shoulder harness on
the right and, to some extent, by the shoulder belt 110A on the load bearing surfaces
14 on the left side of the yoke and the contact between the yoke and the upper shoulders
102 and neck 106.
[0045] Thus, the accelerations of the head 112, helmet 108, neck, and torso, with components
in forward, rearward or sideward directions, are restrained as combinations of the
mechanical responses described above.
[0046] The load bearing surfaces extend rearward from the top of the occupant's shoulders
so that, when racing, these load bearing surfaces 14 lie below the shoulder belts
of the shoulder harness. Since the shoulder belts can be secured to the vehicle below
the edge of the load bearing surfaces at the connecting portion 12C of the device
10, the load bearing surfaces of the head and neck support device will be loaded by
the shoulder belts while the occupant 100 is racing and this loading of the head and
neck support device is transmitted to the occupant's shoulders 102 to help hold the
occupant down in the seat.
[0047] The load bearing surfaces provide a load path for the forces from the tether 15 through
the head and neck support device to the shoulder belts 110A. The head and neck support
device of the present invention is small and easy to handle which enables occupants
to wear the device with very little interference between the head and neck support
device and the helmet 108 during normal racing.
[0048] Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing
specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications
and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains,
having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated
drawings. It is therefore understood that the invention is not limited to the specific
embodiments disclosed herein, and that many modifications and other embodiments of
the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover,
although specific terms are employed herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive
sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention.
1. A head and neck support device (10) for an occupant of a vehicle with a shoulder harness
(110) over the shoulders of the occupant and a helmet (108) on a head of the occupant,
which comprises:
a yoke (12) having a front portion (32) and a rear portion (34); and
a tether (15) having a first end and a second end;
characterized by further comprising
at least one sleeve member (22) attached to the yoke, wherein the at least one sleeve
member defines a cavity (24) therethrough, through which the tether is slideably received,
such that a sliding tether arrangement allows the occupant side-to-side rotary head
mobility around an axis that extends generally co-axial through the vertebra of the
neck of the user, when the yoke is connected by the tether to the helmet on the head
of the occupant.
2. The head and neck support device (10) of Claim 1, wherein the at least one sleeve
member defines a first distance extending between a proximal end and a distal end
of the at least one sleeve member (22).
3. The head and neck support device (10) of Claim 2, wherein the tether defines a second
distance between the first and second ends of the tether (15).
4. The head and neck support device (10) of Claim 3, wherein the second distance is greater
than the first distance.
5. The head and neck support device (10) of Claim 4, wherein the tether second distance
slidably moves within the sleeve member first distance in a plane that bisects the
cavity.
6. The head and neck support device (10) of any of the preceding Claims, wherein the
at least one sleeve member (22) is formed from a rigid material.
7. The head and neck support device (10) of any of the preceding Claims, wherein the
at least one sleeve member is fixedly attached to the rear portion or to the front
portion of the yoke, or wherein the at least one sleeve member is a single-sided sleeve
member or a double-sided sleeve member.
8. The head and neck support device (10) of any of Claims 1 to 5 or 7, wherein the at
least one sleeve member is flexible or rigid or wherein the at least one sleeve member
is formed therein the yoke.
9. The head and neck support device (10) of any of the preceding Claims, further comprising
a means for attaching the first end of the tether to a first side of the helmet, and
a means for attaching the second end of the tether to a second, opposite side of the
helmet.
10. The head and neck support device (10) of Claim 9, wherein the means for attaching
the first end of the tether to the first side of the helmet comprises a tether anchor
mounted to the helmet, and the means for attaching the second end of the tether to
the second side of the helmet comprises a tether anchor mounted to the helmet.
11. The head and neck support device (10) of Claim 9, wherein the means for attaching
the first end of the tether to the first side of the helmet comprises attaching the
first end of the tether to a helmet chin strap, and the means for attaching the second
end of the tether to the second side of the helmet comprises attaching the second
end of the tether to a helmet chin strap.
12. The head and neck support device (10) of Claim 9, wherein the means for attaching
the first end of the tether to the first side of the helmet comprises attaching the
first end of the tether through a first slot defined therein the first side of the
helmet, wherein the first end of the tether is configured to resist extraction, and
the means for attaching the second end of the tether to the second side of the helmet
comprises attaching the second end of the tether through a second slot defined therein
the second side of the helmet, wherein the second end of the tether is configured
to resist extraction.
13. The head and neck support device (10) of Claim 9, wherein the means for attaching
the first end of the tether to the first side of the helmet comprises attaching the
first end of the tether through a first slot defined therein the first side of the
helmet and the second end of the tether through a second slot defined therein the
second side of the helmet; and wherein the first and second ends of the tether are
continuous such that they resist extraction.
14. The head and neck support device (10) of any of the preceding Claims, wherein the
yoke further comprises a collar, wherein optionally the at least one sleeve member
is connected to the collar.
15. The head and neck support device (10) of any of the preceding Claims, wherein the
tether comprises a rope or a wire or a chain or a strap.
16. A method for providing protection for an occupant of a vehicle, the vehicle having
a shoulder harness (110) with shoulder belts, which comprises the steps of:
(a) providing a helmet (108) for a head of the occupant,
(b) providing a head and neck support device (10) comprising:
a yoke (12) having a front portion and a rear portion;
a tether (15) having a first end and a second end; and
at least one sleeve member (22) attached to the yoke, wherein the at least one sleeve
member defines a cavity (24) therethrough, through which the tether is slideably received,
such that a sliding tether arrangement allows the occupant side-to-side rotary head
mobility around an axis that extends generally co-axial through the vertebra of the
neck of the user, when the yoke is connected by the tether to the helmet on the head
of the occupant..
1. Kopf- und Nacken-Halteeinrichtung (10) für einen Insassen eines Fahrzeugs mit einem
Schultergurtzeug (110) über den Schultern des Insassen und mit einem Helm (108) auf
einem Kopf des Insassen, die umfasst:
ein Joch (12) mit einem vorderen Abschnitt (32) und einem hinteren Abschnitt (34);
und
einen Gurt (15) mit einem ersten Ende und einem zweiten Ende;
gekennzeichnet durch, weiterhin umfassend
wenigstens ein Muffenglied (22), das an dem Joch angebracht ist, wobei das wenigstens
eine Muffenglied eine Ausnehmung (24) durch dasselbe definiert, durch welche der Gurt verschiebbar aufgenommen wird, so dass eine verschiebliche Gurtanordnung
dem Insassen eine Seiten-Dreh-Kopfbeweglichkeit um eine Achse gestattet, die allgemein
koaxial durch die Nackenwirbel des Benutzers verläuft, wenn das Joch durch den Gurt mit dem Helm auf dem Kopf des Insassen verbunden ist.
2. Kopf- und Nacken-Halteeinrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das wenigstens eine
Muffenglied eine erste Distanz definiert, die sich zwischen einem proximalen Ende
und einem distalen Ende des wenigstens einen Muffenglieds (22) erstreckt.
3. Kopf- und Nacken-Halteeinrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 2, wobei der Gurt eine zweite
Distanz zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Ende des Gurtes (15) definiert.
4. Kopf- und Nacken-Halteeinrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 3, wobei die zweite Distanz größer
als die erste Distanz ist.
5. Kopf- und Nacken-Halteeinrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 4, wobei die zweite Distanz des
Gurtes sich innerhalb der ersten Distanz des Muffenglieds in einer Ebene, die die
Ausnehmung halbiert, verschiebbar bewegt.
6. Kopf- und Nacken-Halteeinrichtung (10) nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei
das wenigstens eine Muffenglied (22) aus einem festen Material gebildet ist.
7. Kopf- und Nacken-Halteeinrichtung (10) nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei
das wenigstens eine Muffenglied an dem hinteren Abschnitt oder dem vorderen Abschnitt
des Jochs fest angebracht ist oder wobei das wenigstens eine Muffenglied ein einseitiges
Muffenglied oder ein doppelseitiges Muffenglied ist.
8. Kopf- und Nacken-Halteeinrichtung (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5 oder 7, wobei
das wenigstens eine Muffenglied flexibel oder fest ist oder wobei das wenigstens eine
Muffenglied in dem Joch ausgebildet ist.
9. Kopf- und Nacken-Halteeinrichtung (10), nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, weiterhin
umfassend ein Mittel zum Anbringen des ersten Endes des Gurtes an einer ersten Seite
des Helms und ein Mittel zum Anbringen des zweiten Endes des Gurtes an einer zweiten,
gegenüberliegenden Seite des Helms.
10. Kopf- und Nacken-Halteeinrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 9, wobei das Mittel zum Anbringen
des ersten Endes des Gurtes an die erste Seite des Helms einen Gurtanker umfasst,
der an dem Helm angeordnet ist, und das Mittel zum Anbringen des zweiten Endes des
Gurtes an die zweite Seite des Helms einen Gurtanker umfasst, der an dem Helm angeordnet
ist.
11. Kopf- und Nacken-Halteeinrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 9, wobei das Mittel zum Anbringen
des ersten Endes des Gurtes an die erste Seite des Helms ein Anbringen des ersten
Endes des Gurtes an einen Helm-Kinnriemen umfasst und das Mittel zum Anbringen des
zweiten Endes des Gurtes an die zweite Seite des Helms ein Anbringen des zweiten Endes
des Gurtes an einen Helm-Kinnriemen umfasst.
12. Kopf- und Nacken-Halteeinrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 9, wobei das Mittel zum Anbringen
des ersten Endes des Gurtes an die erste Seite des Helms ein Anbringen des ersten
Endes des Gurtes durch einen in der ersten Seite des Helms definierten ersten Spalt
umfasst und das Mittel zum Anbringen des zweiten Endes des Gurtes an die zweite Seite
des Helms ein Anbringen des zweiten Endes des Gurtes durch einen in der zweiten Seite
des Helms definierten zweiten Spalt umfasst, wobei das zweite Ende des Gurtes ausgebildet
ist einem Herausziehen zu widerstehen.
13. Kopf- und Nacken-Halteeinrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 9, wobei das Mittel zum Anbringen
des ersten Endes des Gurtes an die erste Seite des Helms ein Anbringen des ersten
Endes des Gurtes durch einen in der ersten Seite des Helms definierten ersten Spalt
und des zweiten Endes des Gurtes durch einen in der zweiten Seite des Helms definierten
zweiten Spalt umfasst, und wobei das erste und das zweite Ende des Gurtes kontinuierlich
sind, so dass sie einem Herausziehen widerstehen.
14. Kopf- und Nacken-Halteeinrichtung (10) nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei
das Joch weiterhin einen Kragen umfasst, wobei optional das wenigstens eine Muffenglied
mit dem Kragen verbunden ist.
15. Kopf- und Nacken-Halteeinrichtung (10) nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei
der Gurt ein Seil oder einen Draht oder eine Kette oder einen Riemen umfasst.
16. Verfahren zum Bereitstellen von Schutz für einen Insassen eines Fahrzeugs, wobei das
Fahrzeug ein Schultergurtzeug (110) mit Schultergurten aufweist, das die Schritte
aufweist:
(a) Bereitstellen eines Helms (108) für einen Kopf des Insassen,
(b) Bereitstellen einer Kopf- und Nacken-Halteeinrichtung (10) umfassend:
ein Joch (12) mit einem vorderen Abschnitt und einem hinteren Abschnitt;
einen Gurt (15) mit einem ersten Ende und einem zweiten Ende; und
wenigstens ein Muffenglied (22), das an dem Joch angebracht ist, wobei das wenigstens
eine Muffenglied eine Ausnehmung (24) durch dasselbe definiert, durch welche der Gurt
verschiebbar aufgenommen wird, so dass eine verschiebliche Gurtanordnung dem Insassen
eine Seiten-Dreh-Kopfbeweglichkeit um eine Achse gestattet, die allgemein koaxial
durch die Nackenwirbel des Benutzers verläuft, wenn das Joch durch den Gurt mit dem
Helm auf dem Kopf des Insassen verbunden ist.
1. Dispositif de support de tête et de cou (10) pour un occupant d'un véhicule présentant
une ceinture harnais (110) sur les épaules de l'occupant et un casque (108) sur une
tête de l'occupant, comprenant :
une fourche (12) présentant une partie avant (32) et une partie arrière (34), et
une sangle de retenue (15) présentant une première extrémité et une seconde extrémité
;
caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre:
au moins un élément formant manchon (22) amarré à la fourche, dans lequel le au moins
un élément formant manchon définit une cavité (24) à travers lui, à travers laquelle
la sangle de retenue est reçue d'une manière permettant le coulissement, de sorte
qu'un agencement de sangle de retenue coulissante permet à l'occupant une mobilité
pour tourner la tête d'un côté à l'autre autour d'un axe qui s'étend généralement
de manière coaxiale à travers les vertèbres du cou de l'utilisateur, lorsque la fourche
est reliée par la sangle de retenue au casque sur la tête de l'occupant.
2. Dispositif de support de tête et de cou (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
le au moins un élément formant manchon définit une première distance s'étendant entre
une extrémité proximale et une extrémité distale du au moins un élément formant manchon
(22).
3. Dispositif de support de tête et de cou (10) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel
la sangle de retenue définit une seconde distance entre les première et seconde extrémités
de la sangle de retenue (15).
4. Dispositif de support de tête et de cou (10) selon la revendication 3, dans lequel
la seconde distance est supérieure à la première distance.
5. Dispositif de support de tête et de cou (10) selon la revendication 4, dans lequel
la seconde distance de sangle de retenue se déplace par coulissement dans les limites
de la première distance de l'élément formant manchon dans un plan qui bissecte la
cavité.
6. Dispositif de support de tête et de cou (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
précédentes, dans lequel le au moins un élément formant manchon (22) est formé à partir
d'un matériau rigide.
7. Dispositif de support de tête et de cou (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
précédentes, dans lequel le au moins un élément formant manchon est amarré de manière
fixe à la partie arrière ou à la partie avant de la fourche, ou dans lequel le au
moins un élément formant manchon est un élément formant manchon à un seul côté ou
un élément formant manchon à deux côtés.
8. Dispositif de support de tête et de cou (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
1 à 5 ou 7, dans lequel le au moins un élément formant manchon est flexible ou rigide,
ou dans lequel le au moins un élément formant manchon est formé à l'intérieur de la
fourche.
9. Dispositif de support de tête et de cou (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
précédentes, comprenant en outre un moyen destiné à amarrer la première extrémité
de la sangle de retenue à un premier côté du casque, et un moyen destiné à amarrer
la seconde extrémité de la sangle de retenue à un second côté opposé du casque.
10. Dispositif de support de tête et de cou (10) selon la revendication 9, dans lequel
le moyen destiné à amarrer la première extrémité de la sangle de retenue au premier
côté du casque comprend un ancrage de sangle de retenue monté sur le casque, et le
moyen destiné à amarrer la seconde extrémité de la sangle de retenue au second côté
du casque comprend un ancrage de sangle de retenue monté sur le casque.
11. Dispositif de support de tête et de cou (10) selon la revendication 9, dans lequel
le moyen destiné à amarrer la première extrémité de la sangle de retenue au premier
côté du casque comprend l'amarrage de la première extrémité de la sangle de retenue
à une jugulaire de casque, et le moyen destiné à amarrer la seconde extrémité de la
sangle de retenue au second côté du casque comprend l'amarrage de la seconde extrémité
de la sangle de retenue sur une jugulaire de casque.
12. Dispositif de support de tête et de cou (10) selon la revendication 9, dans lequel
le moyen destiné à amarrer la première extrémité de la sangle de retenue au premier
côté du casque comprend l'amarrage de la première extrémité de la sangle de retenue
par le biais d'une première fente définie dans le premier côté du casque, dans lequel
la première extrémité de la sangle de retenue est configurée pour résister à l'extraction,
et le moyen destiné à amarrer la seconde extrémité de la sangle de retenue au second
côté du casque comprend l'amarrage de la seconde extrémité de la sangle de retenue
par le biais d'une seconde fente définie dans le second côté du casque, dans lequel
la seconde extrémité de la sangle de retenue est configurée pour résister à l'extraction.
13. Dispositif de support de tête et de cou (10) selon la revendication 9, dans lequel
le moyen destiné à amarrer la première extrémité de la sangle de retenue au premier
côté du casque comprend l'amarrage de la première extrémité de la sangle de retenue
par le biais d'une première fente définie dans le premier côté du casque, et de la
seconde extrémité de la sangle de retenue par le biais d'une seconde fente dans le
second côté du casque, et dans lequel les première et seconde extrémités de la sangle
de retenue sont continues de manière à résister à l'extraction.
14. Dispositif de support de tête et de cou (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
précédentes, dans lequel la fourche comprend en outre un collier, dans lequel de manière
facultative, le au moins un élément formant manchon est relié au collier.
15. Dispositif de support de tête et de cou (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
précédentes, dans lequel la sangle de retenue comprend un cordon, ou un fil, ou une
chaîne, ou une sangle.
16. Procédé destiné à fournir une protection à un occupant d'un véhicule, le véhicule
présentant une ceinture harnais (110) avec ceintures d'épaule, comprenant les étapes
consistant à :
(a) fournir un casque (108) pour une tête de l'occupant,
(b) fournir un dispositif de support de tête et de cou (10) comprenant:
une fourche (12) présentant une partie avant et une partie arrière, et
une sangle de retenue (15) présentant une première extrémité et une seconde extrémité,
et
au moins un élément formant manchon (22) amarré à la fourche, dans lequel le au moins
un élément formant manchon définit une cavité (24) à travers lui, à travers laquelle
la sangle de retenue est reçue d'une manière permettant le coulissement, de sorte
qu'un agencement de sangle de retenue coulissante permet à l'occupant une mobilité
pour tourner la tête d'un côté à l'autre autour d'un axe qui s'étend généralement
de manière coaxiale à travers les vertèbres du cou de l'utilisateur, lorsque la fourche
est reliée par la sangle de retenue au casque sur la tête de l'occupant.